Have You Heard?

Jen and Moody have been talking about Emotions and Mental Health on Podcasts all over the world!

Listen in:

Life After I Left with Cat Dunn

Jennifer Ginty on Life After... childhood trauma: Healing through group therapy, and creating emotional safety for the next generation

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of child physical and sexual abuse. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if it feels triggering.

What if the pain of your past could become the foundation of someone else’s healing?

In this episode, I’m joined by Jennifer Ginty, a single mum, podcast host, and entrepreneur, who shares her deeply personal journey of healing from childhood trauma and living with Complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder.

From growing up in an abusive home to navigating family court, Jennifer’s early life was shaped by silence and survival.

After years of pushing her past away, it all came to a breaking point, and her healing journey truly began through therapy, group work, and eventually, creating a therapeutic toy called My Moody Monster.

Jennifer now uses her story to help others better understand their emotions, reconnect with their inner child, and heal from trauma in a way that feels safe, empowering, and real.

In this episode, we talk about:

Jennifer’s journey from survival to emotional healing
The moment her brain said "enough", and why breakdowns can be breakthroughs
The transformative power of group therapy and trauma-informed support
Creating 'The Moody Monster' to support emotional regulation in kids
How childhood trauma can echo into adult relationships, and what healing really looks like

Whether you’re in the thick of your healing or just starting to unpack your story, Jennifer’s journey is a reminder that you're not alone, and that recovery, community, and creativity can offer a powerful way forward.

Jennifer and I are available to provide additional resources and organizations that can support you in your healing journey, so please reach out.

Quiet Connection - Postpartum Mental Health

Jen G - Raising Kids While Rebuilding Yourself

In this impactful yet lighthearted episode of Quiet Connection, Chelsea sits down with Jen Ginty, a single mom of two, living with complex PTSD and major depressive disorder.

Jen shares her journey from surviving childhood trauma to raising a child with complex needs, all while navigating mental health, motherhood, and massive life transitions.

We talk about:

The challenges of pregnancy with CPTSD
Parenting a child with early behavioral red flags and an evolving diagnosis
The stigma of inpatient mental health care
The emotional rollercoaster of co-parenting, identity loss, and rebuilding
And how one moment in group therapy led to the creation of Moody Monster—a therapeutic plush doll that’s now helping kids (and adults) process big emotions safely.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to wait to heal, for parents feeling overwhelmed and under-supported, and for those searching for tools to help themselves and their families thrive.

Lighten Up! The Art Of Living Clutter Free

Conquer The Mental Clutter of Trauma With Jen Ginty

In this conversation, Melanie Cohen and Jennifer Ginty explore the themes of clutter—both physical and mental—and how it impacts our lives. Jennifer shares her journey of living with complex PTSD, the challenges of parenting, and the importance of emotional expression through her creation of 'My Moody Monster.' They discuss the significance of therapy, trust in relationships, and the impact of trauma on body image and self-perception. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care, grace in healing, and the power of sharing personal stories to help others.

Takeaways:

*Clutter can be both physical and mental, affecting our well-being.

*Complex PTSD can create significant mental clutter that hinders progress.

*Healing is a journey that requires support and understanding.

*Parenting through trauma involves breaking cycles and providing love.

*Therapy can be transformative, especially with empathetic practitioners.

*Creating tools for emotional expression can aid in healing.

*Trust issues often stem from past trauma and require work to overcome.

*Body image struggles can be exacerbated by trauma and societal pressures.

*Mental clutter includes self-limiting beliefs and negative thoughts.

*Sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone in their struggles.

Sound Bites:

"Trauma just takes up the brain."

"Healing journeys are not linear."

Living Matters Podcast

Ep 39 - Jennifer Ginty - Healing Through Innovation

Healing Through Innovation: A Conversation with Jennifer Ginty

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses childhood trauma, abuse, PTSD, and mental health challenges. Please take care while listening.

In this powerful episode, entrepreneur and mental health advocate Jennifer Ginty shares her journey from childhood trauma survivor to innovative creator of My Moody Monster, a unique therapeutic tool helping both children and adults process difficult emotions. Jennifer opens up about her personal healing journey with complex PTSD and how it inspired her to create solutions for others struggling with emotional regulation.

About Jennifer Ginty

Creator of My Moody Monster
Mental health advocate and survivor
Single mom of two
YouTube content creator
Entrepreneur and innovator
Advocate for emotional wellness

Key Themes

Transforming trauma into purpose
Understanding and managing complex PTSD
The importance of therapeutic support
Breaking stigmas around mental health treatment
Innovative approaches to emotional regulation
Creating safe spaces for emotional expression
The power of proper coping skills

My Moody Monster Products

Pull-apart plush toy for emotional release
Drawstring carrying bag
Companion coloring book
Educational materials
YouTube content for children and adults

Notable Quote: "Healing is never linear. It's a roller coaster ride that we all go through and you have to give yourself grace when you're feeling in those low moments of the roller coaster... If you are having a day where you feel like you just can't do all the things, give yourself grace. You deserve to have that time to heal."

The Brave B*tches Podcast

From Trauma to Transformation, Through Feeling All the Feels with Jen

I was not prepared for how deep this conversation was going to get. Jen Ginty, creator of Moody Monster, joined me on the pod, and we got real about emotional healing, trauma, and the messy, complicated feelings that make us human.

Jen shared how Moody Monster started as a way to process her own emotions—and ended up becoming a powerful tool for helping kids (and adults) understand and express their feelings. We dive into shame vs. guilt, why emotions shouldn’t be ignored, and the identity crisis that can come with healing.

We also talk about the power of community, storytelling, and even pets in emotional well-being. Plus, she dropped some serious wisdom about coping skills, inpatient care (it’s not a weakness!), and why embracing vulnerability makes us stronger. Oh, and don’t miss the rapid-fire questions at the end—she had some amazing answers.

REAL MEN FEEL

Confronting Suicide Myths, Realities, and Healing

In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant interviews Jen Ginty, a single mother and entrepreneur who has developed a therapeutic toy for children called My Moody Monster. Both Andy and Jen, who are suicide attempt survivors, discuss suicide myths, coping tools, and personal experiences to help others understand and navigate their emotions. The episode also emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help and shares various suicide prevention resources.
If you’re in crisis, reach out to the suicide crisis line in the US and Canada by calling or texting 988.

Meet Jennifer Ginty
Jen’s story is a testament to resilience and transformation. Living with complex PTSD from her childhood and as a suicide attempt survivor, she has dedicated her life to advocacy and healing. Jen founded the Moody Monster, a plush toy for children that aids in expressing and channeling emotions healthily. Additionally, she hosts the podcast “When Not Yet Becomes Right Now,” where she shares her mental health journey and encourages others to embark on theirs.

Shattering Suicide Myths
One of the central themes of this episode is debunking common myths about suicide. Andy and Jen dive into misconceptions such as the notion that only people with mental illnesses consider suicide or that discussing suicide plants the idea in someone’s head. Both Andy and Jen emphasize that open dialogue and understanding can save lives.

Andy recalls a pivotal conversation with a guest who enlightened him that one need not have a mental illness to experience suicidal thoughts. Jen echoes this sentiment, sharing her experiences and insights gained from supporting her own children and breaking cycles of generational trauma.

The Power of Connection and Coping Tools
Throughout their conversation, Andy and Jen explore the critical role of connection and hope in overcoming suicidal ideation. Jen shares anecdotes of how simple acts of kindness and support from friends made significant differences during her most challenging times. They discuss building coping toolboxes and remembering support systems like the 988 suicide crisis line available for immediate help.

GRIEF LET'S TALK ABOUT IT PODCAST

Jennifer Ginty

Jen has faced obstacles in her healing journey - from becoming a mother without a healthy parental model of her own to overcoming her inner saboteur while coping with the symptoms of CPTSD and Depression. She has spent the last 5 years developing My Moody Monster - a pull apart plush toy that has helped children to get out their frustrations in a safe way and giving families a tool to talk about emotions and communication.

Jen believes by sharing her own story she can help others to know they are not alone. Her YouTube channel features her Moody Talks focusing on an emotion each month and teaching coping skills that have helped her with her own mental health.

Jennifer is a single mom and entrepreneur who lives with Complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder from childhood trauma. Throughout her life, Jen has learned valuable coping skills and has made it her mission to help others to better understand their own emotions.

Wickedly Smart Women

MY MOODY MONSTER - Jennifer Ginty - Ep. 297

In this powerful episode of "Wickedly Smart Women," host Anjel B Hartwell is joined by the inspiring Jennifer Ginty. Jennifer is a single mom and entrepreneur who bravely opens up about her journey managing complex PTSD and major depressive disorder, stemming from childhood trauma. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the absence of a healthy parental model and internal struggles, Jennifer emerged with a determination to heal and help others.

Jennifer shares how she turned her therapeutic needs into an entrepreneurial venture by creating "My Moody Monster," a plush toy that helps children express their frustrations safely and facilitates family discussions around emotions. Moreover, Jennifer discusses her resilience through a chaotic legal battle involving her abusive father, societal pressures on women, and her empowerment journey of trusting her intuition.

Discover what sparked Jennifer's entrepreneurial spirit and how her personal healing process inspired the creation of Moody, a tool now embraced by parents, therapists, and teachers. She also talks about her business success, including selling out the first batch of Moody toys, securing funding, and her commitment to donating a percentage of toys to support children in traumatic situations.

This episode is a heartfelt narrative on self-awareness, the importance of recognizing emotions, and prioritizing self-care—even for those who have experienced deep trauma. Jennifer's story is not just about overcoming pain but also about creating impactful change and fostering communication and emotion management in children.

What You Will Learn

*How did Jennifer's experiences with complex PTSD and major depressive disorder influence her entrepreneurial journey?

*What specific needs did Jennifer aim to address through the creation of "My Moody Monster," and how does the toy facilitate discussions about emotions?

*In what ways do societal pressures on women to be caregivers suppress their voices, and how can women break free from these constraints?

*How did Jennifer's personal healing process inspire her entrepreneurial venture, and what challenges did she face in bringing her product to market?

*How can tools like "Moody Monster" help children who have experienced trauma articulate their feelings and cope with frustration?

*What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and how has it helped Jennifer manage her complex PTSD and depressive disorder?

*Why is self-awareness particularly crucial for women entrepreneurs, and how did it play a role in Jennifer's journey?

*What are the future plans for expanding "Moody Monster" to help more children, particularly those facing significant trauma or medical conditions?

*Why is self-care vital for entrepreneurs, and how can they incorporate it into their busy lives, as emphasized by both Jennifer and Anjel?

*How can listeners of the "Wickedly Smart Women" podcast engage with Jennifer's mission and the show's community to support broader discussions on mental health and entrepreneurship?

Healing and Growing, Hand in Hand

111. Healing Childhood Trauma and Navigating Complex PTSD with Jennifer Ginty

In this episode, we are joined by Jennifer Ginty, the founder of My Moody Monster and a mental health advocate. Jennifer shares her personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma and living with Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder. From her experiences in the legal system to her path to emotional recovery, Jennifer provides valuable insights and tools for listeners who may be dealing with their own trauma.

Episode Highlights:

- Understanding the Long-term Effects of Childhood Trauma: Jennifer discusses how her childhood abuse led to CPTSD and depression and the challenges of navigating the court system.

- What is Complex PTSD (CPTSD)?: Learn about CPTSD, its symptoms, and how it differs from other forms of PTSD.

- Healing through Therapy: Jennifer shares how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) helped her rewire her trauma-affected brain.

- The Creation of My Moody Monster: Jennifer's unique therapeutic plush toy, Moody, helps children express their emotions in a safe way, especially those dealing with trauma or autism. Moody offers a way for families to communicate about emotions in a healthy and constructive manner.

- Breaking Free from Toxic Shame: we discuss the concept of toxic shame, how it affects trauma survivors, and how to overcome it.

Key Takeaways:

- Subsequent Trauma: Trauma doesn’t end when the abuser leaves. Jennifer explains the secondary trauma that comes with reliving abuse in legal settings and how that can impact healing.

- The Importance of Therapy: Seeking the right therapist and using methods like DBT and EMDR can be life-changing for trauma survivors. Learn how Jennifer found the right professional to guide her healing journey.

- Using Tools like My Moody Monster: Jennifer discusses how her plush toy helps children—and even adults—express and manage their emotions through tactile interaction, creating a path to healthier emotional expression.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Jennifer Ginty

05:00 – Complex PTSD & Major Depressive Disorder

12:15 – EMDR and DBT therapy for healing

16:30 – The birth of My Moody Monster and its impact on families

24:45 – Dealing with toxic shame and finding self-acceptance

35:00 – Jennifer's mission

Horror Heals with Corey and Kendall

Monsters and Mental Health: How Horror Saved Me

In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall sit down with Jennifer Ginty, a passionate horror fan and entrepreneur. Jennifer shares her personal journey of growing up in a horror-loving family while dealing with trauma, PTSD, and depression. She opens up about how horror became a source of comfort for her and how it continues to help her manage her mental health. Jennifer also discusses her incredible creation, Moody—a therapeutic doll designed to help children and adults alike process emotions and trauma. Moody’s customizable features, including detachable limbs, provide a safe outlet for frustration and stress. Throughout the conversation, Jennifer reflects on her favorite horror movies, the complex nature of PTSD, and her aspirations for expanding the Moody line to help even more people.

Monsters and Mental Health: How Horror Saved Me

Episode Highlights:

• Jennifer shares her upbringing in a family that adored horror and how this connection to horror movies and books was integral to her mental health.

• Discussion on how horror culture, especially films like Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Nightmare on Elm Street, provide comfort and grounding during PTSD episodes.

• Insight into the development of Jennifer's entrepreneurial project, Moody, a therapeutic doll created to help people cope with emotional struggles by allowing them to physically release tension and anxiety.

• Jennifer's thoughts on how horror genres, like body horror and religious horror, intersect with her personal life and healing journey.

• A deep dive into Jennifer's personal experience with childhood trauma, navigating PTSD, and how horror movies helped her find emotional solace during difficult moments.

• Conversation about Jennifer’s love for characters like Ash from Evil Dead and how those horror icons became a source of comfort and empowerment.

Jennifer’s Journey with Moody:

• The origin story of Moody, born from Jennifer’s desire to create something that could physically represent and help process emotional distress.

• Moody’s arms, legs, and head are detachable, allowing users to rip it apart and release anger and frustration in a healthy way.

• Moody has been embraced by therapists, teachers, and families, and Jennifer shares her vision of expanding the product line to include customized dolls for children with ADHD and autism.

• Jennifer discusses plans for a Make-a-Monster feature, where kids and adults can design their own Moody doll, tailoring it to their specific needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Horror isn’t just about scares; for some, it’s a therapeutic and healing experience that helps them navigate trauma and emotional challenges.

• Jennifer’s story is a testament to the power of creativity, as she turned her own struggles into something that can help others with similar challenges.

• The horror community continues to be a place of comfort and connection for those who feel like outsiders or who are managing difficult life experiences.

Favorite Final Person: Jennifer’s favorite final person is Ash from Evil Dead. She loves everything about his character and the series, calling Ash her “absolute favorite hero.”

Message in the Middle with Marianne DeMello-Smith

Navigating Big Emotions with Jennifer Ginty and Moody Monster

Today we're diving deep into the world of big feelings. Emotions can be overwhelming for anyone, but learning to manage them is crucial, especially when it comes to guiding our children and grandchildren and providing them with tools to help them process, communicate and heal.

In this episode, we have a special guest, Jennifer Ginty. Jen is a single mom, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate who has bravely navigated life with Complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder resulting from childhood trauma. Despite these challenges, Jen has emerged stronger and is now on a mission to help others understand and manage their emotions through her YouTube channel and unique creation "Moody Monster."

Key Discussion Points:

Jen's Personal Journey: Jen shares her back story with abuse that led to Complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. She discusses the obstacles she faced and the coping skills she developed along the way.
Introducing "My Moody Monster": Discover the inspiration behind Jen’s innovative creation, "My Moody Monster," and how it serves as a tool for emotional education and well-being.
Misconceptions About Big Feelings: Jen addresses common misunderstandings about managing emotions and shares how she overcame them.
Societal Influences on Emotional Perception: We explore how societal factors shape our views on emotions and Jen offers advice on navigating these influences.
Practical Advice for Emotional Overwhelm: Jen provides actionable tips for those feeling overwhelmed by their emotions, offering a starting point for managing them.

The Fierce Feminine with Melissa Harrison

Season 3 Episode 3: Jennifer Ginty: Healing & Intuition, The Path to Trusting Yourself

Join Melissa Harrison on the Fierce Feminine Podcast as she welcomes Jennifer Ginty, a passionate advocate for healing and self-compassion. In this moving episode, Jennifer shares her journey of learning to trust her intuition after experiencing trauma and abuse. She opens up about the challenges of rebuilding self-trust and the pivotal role of validation and support from others.

What You’ll Learn:

- Navigating Intuition After Trauma: Understand the difficulties trauma survivors face in trusting their inner voice.

- Building Trust: How validation and support from others can help you reconnect with your intuition.

- Healing and Self-Compassion: The essential role of self-care in developing intuitive trust.

- My Moody Monster: Discover Jennifer’s passion project—a plush doll designed to help children cope with frustrations and trust their feelings.

- Empowering Children: Why it’s crucial to trust children’s intuition and let go of the belief that adults always know better.

Key Takeaways:

- Trauma can make it difficult to trust your intuition due to fear of making mistakes.

- Validation and support from others are essential in rebuilding intuitive trust.

- Healing and self-compassion are vital in developing trust in your intuition.

- Trusting children's intuition requires adults to let go of the notion that they always know better.

Must-Hear Quotes:

- "Intuition is moment to moment. So even when we screw up, like even when we don't listen, the next way to maneuver is always there."

- "I firmly believe this happens to everybody. Now that I can recognize it, it's not coincidental."

Hot Mess Espresso with Heather Herington

Season 5 Episode 5: Jennifer Ginty

Jennifer created My Moody Monster, and she's here to talk about what inspired the creation of the doll, how it's helped her and others, and her own mental health journey.

The Language of Play - Kids that Listen, Speech Therapy, Language Development, Early Intervention - Dinalynn Rosenbush, SLP | Speech Pathologist, Parent Mentor, Communication with Kids

130 Jennifer Ginty Shares How A Doll Can Help Children Process Big Emotions

Connect.Inspire.Create with Carol Clegg

146 From Trauma to Healing with 'My Moody Monster' with Jen Ginty

The journey of healing is a personal odyssey, unique and transformative for every individual who embarks upon it.

For Jen Ginty, her odyssey led her to create "My Moody Monster," a pull apart plush toy designed to assist children and adults alike in managing their complex emotional landscapes. The podcast episode featuring Jen's story offers a profound look into the heart of emotional wellness, a subject that resonates with countless individuals navigating their own challenges with mental health.

Jen is a single mom and entrepreneur who lives with Complex PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder from childhood trauma. Throughout her life, Jen has learned valuable coping skills and has made it her mission to help others to better understand their own emotions.

Jen has faced obstacles in her healing journey - from becoming a mother without a healthy parental model of her own to overcoming her inner saboteur while coping with the symptoms of CPTSD and Depression. She has spent the last 4 years developing My Moody Monster - a pull apart plush toy that has helped children to get out their frustrations in a safe way and giving families a tool to talk about emotions and communication.

Connection Over Perfection with Amber McCrea

Jennifer Ginty - Parenting with Purpose

Are you a mom struggling to guide your little ones in understanding and regulating their emotions while you're also trying to do the same?

You are not alone. Join us on "Connection Over Perfection" as I talk with Jennifer Ginty, mental health advocate and creator of "My Moody Monster." Jennifer shares her insights and stories about the dual journey of parenting and personal healing, offering hope and strategies for mothers everywhere.

In this episode, we explore how unspoken emotions can isolate us from our children and ourselves and how acknowledging and addressing these feelings can strengthen our connections. Jennifer provides practical tips and relatable stories that encourage emotional wisdom and resilience, empowering you to face both parenting and personal challenges with confidence.

The Other Side of Fear

What is Complex PTSD? | with Jennifer Ginty

Speaking to Jennifer Ginty about her experience with childhood abuse, we highlight the complex world of dealing with C-PTSD. She peels back the layers of how repeated trauma shapes one's emotional landscape and relational dynamics.

In discussing the deeply embedded fears and self-doubt that results from childhood trauma, Jennifer enlightens us on the transformative power of therapies like EMDR and DBT, offering a testament to the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance. We further discuss the fundamental protective nature of anger and, how Jennifer's invention, My Moody Monster, can be used as a tool to help children express and cope with their emotions.

Jennifer provides practical tools and coping strategies that can help with recovery, sharing innovative methods involving My Moody Monster, the Crayola Model Magic, alongside the DEAR MAN communication technique, which together can be an excellent resource for those seeking to express and regulate emotions.